The “Mediterranean Diet from and Italian Perspective” conference has been CANCELLED for 2022 due to lack of registration.

We are hoping to hold the conference in November 2024.

The Mediterranean Diet from an Italian Perspective

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” – Hippocrates

A knowledge and application-based continuing education activity for US pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and dietitians

Florence, Italy

November 2023

Please keep checking this page for more details.....updated on 9/2/2022

PHARMACISTS and PHARMACY TECHNICIANS REGISTER HERE

DIETITIANS Please scroll down and complete the form found at bottom of this webpage. Email to Joanne Nault at joanne.nault@uconn.edu for payment or any questions!
THIS WAS THE PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR 2022

SCHEDULE BELOW:

Monday, November 7, 2022

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm – Stop in any time at Palazzo Rucellai (Via della Vigna Nuova 18) to register, obtain conference material, meet the faculty and have a glass of wine and a snack - INCLUDED IN CONFERENCE FOR REGISTRANT

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Historical & Sociological Perspectives: Palazzo Bargagli (Corso dei Tintori, 29)

9:15 am Introduction to the Conference: Dr. Jill Fitzgerald; Emeritus Faculty UConn School of Pharmacy, and Jillian Wanik; Assistant Professor In Residence UConn Department of Allied Health Sciences-Dietetics, Dietetic Internship Program Director
9:30 am Dr. Peter Fischer, Food Historian; ISI Florence, The Mediterranean Diet: A Deliberate and a Fortunate Misnomer

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Discuss the historical evolution and the cultural definition of Mediterranean Diets
Identify the significant individuals responsible for the advances in medicine and dietary theory
Describe why a historical perspective is germane to medical issues today
List 3 ways healthcare providers can use the historical information to empower patients to promote health

ACPE Number: 0009-0000-22-003-L04-P/T 0.1 CEU or 1.0 Credit hours knowledge-based

10:30 am – 11:00 am - BREAK (free time to go for a coffee in one of the many cafeterias near Palazzo Bargagli)
11:00 am Dr. Olivier DeMaret, Food Historian, Umbra Institute Perugia Leaving the Mediterranean Diet Behind? Migration and the Construction of Italian Cuisine

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Describe the role played by health and food in the migrant experience;
Explain how cuisines are (re)created and constructed;
Evaluate how the Mediterranean Diet influenced Italian migration and cuisine.

ACPE Number: 0009-0000-22-004-L04-P/T 0.125 CEU or 1.25 Credit hours application-based

12:15 pm Dr. Pierluca Birindelli, Sociologist, ISI Florence, The Experience of the Mediterranean Diet between Science and Culture: Narratives from the Studying Abroad World

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Examine the interplay of science and culture in the experience of eating.
Discuss the Mediterranean Diet as a cultural "passe-partout".
Identify some features of the relationship between food discourse and higher education.

ACPE Number: 0009-0000-22-005-L04-P/T 0.125 CEUs or 1.25 Credit hours application-based

1:30-2:15 pm-Lunch Break

Afternoon Excursion-Register Below

2:30 pm - Field trip to Castello di Verrazzano (winery and historical site) – Tour of historical cellars, wine estate, gardens. Guided wine tasting with food paring. - https://www.verrazzano.com

(Min. 45 participants) $125/person

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Pharmaceutical and Nutriceutical Perspectives: Palazzo Bargagli

9:15 am Dr. Giampaolo Irtinni, Ex General Manager of Public Pharmacies in the metropolitan area of Florence,Italy: Organization of Pharmaceutical care in Italy: The Pharmacy Network During the Covid Emergency-A New Role for Pharmacists
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Discuss the concept of pharmaceutical care in a European country with a National Health Service (NHS)
2. Describe how the NHS is organized and regulated by the state and regional authorities
3. Discuss which activities are permitted and prohibited to a pharmacist in his/her professional practice
4. Describe the role and activity of the pharmacy network during the coronavirus pandemic
ACPE Number: 0009-0000-22-007-L04-P/T 0.1 CEUs or 1.0 Credit hours knowledge-based
10:15 am – 10:45 am - BREAK (free time to go for a coffee in one of the many cafeterias near Palazzo Bargagli
10:45 am Dr. Maria Vannuzzi, Practicing Pharmacist (MPH) and Operating Director of "Farmacie Florentine" Company - Florence: Evolution and transformation of a primary health care facility. The network of Italian pharmacies during the COVID -19 emergency. An important experience in Florence
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Examine what activities a pharmacist is allowed and prohibited in his/her professional practice
2. Describe the role and activity of the pharmacy network during the coronavirus pandemic
3. Evaluate the activity of pharmacists who in the last two years have carried out rapid swabs, vaccinated, and have officially printed the "green pass"
4. Discuss local and national data related to this activity
ACPE Number: 0009-0000-22-006-L04-P/T 0.1 CEUs or 1.0 Credit hours application-based

11:45 pm Dr. Christian Sbardella, Tuscan Olive Oil Consortium, Florence: Olive Oil: Characteristics, Health Benefits and Classification

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the composition and sensory characteristics of olive oil and how these are related to its health benefits
2. Distinguish among the different quality grades of olive oil according to international standards.
3. Describe the method for olive oil sensory analysis.

ACPE Number: 0009-0000-22-008-L04-P/T 0.1 CEUs or 1.0 Credit hours application-based

12:45 pm – 2:15 pm – Lunch break

Afternoon Excursions-Register Below

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm – Visit to working Pharmacy (min 10-max 15)
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm - Visit to working Pharmacy (min 10-max 15)
$25.00/per person
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Visit to Officina Profumo SMN, one of Italy’s oldest pharmacies, founded in 1221 in Florence by Dominican Friars) (min 10-max 15)
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm - Visit to Officina Profumo SMN, one of Italy’s oldest pharmacies, founded in 1221 in Florence by Dominican Friars) (min 10-max 15)
$25.00/per person

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Nutritional And Clinical Perspectives: Palazzo Bargagli

9:15 am Dr. Paolo Lionetti, Associate Professor of Paediatrics, University of Florence: Diet, Health and Microbiota in children living in different environments

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Describe the role of the gut as a gatekeeper between health and disease
Discuss the role of the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease
Describe the role diet in shaping the gut microbiota in children living in rural Africa, urbanized Africa and Italy
Discuss the notion that ancient microorganisms, such as fiber-degrading bacteria, are at risk of being eliminated by the advent of westernized lifestyle

ACPE Number: 0009-0000-22-009-L04-P/T 0.15 CEUs or 1.5 Credit hours knowledge-based

10:45 am – 11:15 am - BREAK (free time to go for a coffee in one of the many cafeterias near Palazzo Bargaglia
11:15 am Dr. Francesco Sofi -Associate Professor, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence: Mediterranean Diet for Health and Beyond

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the association between Mediterranean dietary pattern and health status
2. Outline the most updated scientific literature on the beneficial aspects of the Mediterranean diet
3. Describe why restoring original traditions of the Mediterranean diet is mandatory today

ACPE Number: 0009-0000-22-010-L04-P/T 0.15 CEUs or 1.5 Credit hours knowledge-based

12:45 pm – 1:15 pm – Lunch break

Afternoon Excursions-Register Below

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm – Visit to Mercato Centrale with Prof. Fischer (15 min- 30 max)
$55/person
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Cooking class with Chef Francesco Arancio at Chefactory – 2 groups (10 - 45 people max)
$85/person

Friday, November 11, 2022

Nutritional Perspectives: Palazzo Bargagli

9:15 am Barbara Pampaloni, Nutritionist, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Food Patterns and Nutritional Issues of Italian Mediterranean Diet

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Identify how the Italian dietitians and nutritionists are trained in comparison to the American system
Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the current Mediterranean diet from an Italian perspective
Identify the changes in the nutritional health of Italians in response to the changes in the food systems
Recall examples of ways Italians use food as treatment for certain diseases

ACPE Number: 0009-0000-22-011-L04-P/T 0.10 CEUs or 1.0 Credit hours application-based

10:15 am – 10:45 am - BREAK (free time to go for a coffee in one of the many cafeterias near Palazzo Bargagli
10:45 am Jillian Wanik, DCN, RDN, CSSD, CDN, CNSC, Assistant Professor In Residence, University of Connecticut, The Mediterranean Diet and Our Health: Yesterday and Today

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Identify the historical research study methodology (interventional vs observational) that laid the initial groundwork for modern dietary recommendations
Recall the strengths and weaknesses of the pivotal research studies documenting the health consequences of the Mediterranean diet
Outline the goals and objectives of the ongoing studies on aspects of the Mediterranean diet and our health

ACPE Number: 0009-0000-22-012-L04-P/T 0.1 CEUs or 1.0 Credit hours application-based

11:45 pm Panel Discussion: Jillian Wanik, DCN, RDN, CSSD, CDN, CNSC, Assistant Professor In Residence, University of Connecticut; Elena Pizzighelli, Food Service Manager, City of Florence and Serena Giorgi (translator) Florence School Lunch; A Unique and Delicious Lunch Experience for Children

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Discuss how the roots of dietary habits are instilled in Italian children
Recall the components of the Italian school-based lunch services in terms of food acquisition, handling, preparation, serving and costs
Describe the link between cultural eating habits of Italian children and the incidence of disease
Compare the strengths and weaknesses of the Italian school lunch programs to the American programs

ACPE Number: 0009-0000-22-013-L04-P/T 0.1 CEUs or 1.0 Credit hours application-based

12:45 pm - End of Conference

Afternoon Excursion-Register Below

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Guided tour of Palazzo Vecchio with Stefano Corazzini (15-40 people max) $75/person

7:00 pm - FAREWELL DINNER at -Roof Hotel Baglioni – historical 5 star hotel downtown Florence. INCLUDED FOR CONFERENCE REGISTRANT

Farewell Dinner Guests must register: Guests $80

Excursions for the Conference - Register separately for the listed excursions. (This is in addition to your conference registration)

EXCURSION REGISTRATION

Please email Joanne.nault@uconn.edu to be placed on our mailing list.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the most unique, delicious, and important diets in terms of its ability to optimize our health, promote longevity, prevent disease, and sustain our environment. Scientific studies and meta-analyses unequivocally demonstrate that the Mediterranean is effective in preventing or even reversing cardiovascular disease, the number one killer in the US and Europe. Because of diet, the US obesity rates are 3 times higher than Italians and our life span is 4 years shorter.

Although the foods consumed in the Mediterranean countries form quite possibly the healthiest diet in the world, what do Americans really understand about the Mediterranean diet aside from the media portrayal? Similarly, medical professionals have a strong scientific basis for recommending the Mediterranean Diet to their clientele, but do we really understand the nuances of this diet and lifestyle?

The conference's primary purpose is to reveal new perspectives of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle to practicing health care providers in the US. Most of the speakers in the conference will be Italians who will provide a unique perspective on the Mediterranean Diet; its important foods, culture, and history.

During the 3 hour morning sessions, seminar topics will include a summary of the Mediterranean diet, its history, food patterns, cultural aspects and health benefits. We will focus on important foods of the region (wine, olive oil, bread), their historical significance, nutrient composition and impact on our health. In the afternoon, there will be guided walking tours of Florence, trips to a Tuscan winery and olive oil pressing facility, food tastings and a hands on cooking class. Most importantly, we will have special guided tours of historic pharmacies and botanical gardens that are hidden in this beautiful Renaissance city. We will enjoy a full immersion into the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. Founded by Dominican friars shortly after 1221, this pharmacy used medicinal herbs grown in the monastic gardens to make medications, balms and pomades for the infirmary. Currently, most of the medicinal herbs used in its products are grown locally on the hills around Florence.

The conference workshops and tours will take full advantage of the rich Mediterranean cuisine and examine first-hand the profound role food plays in community, family, ethnicity, nutrition, health, and national identity. Overall, attendees will experience the insider’s view of the real Mediterranean diet; one that is considerably different than what is portrayed in the US.

Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians

The University of Connecticut, School of Pharmacy, is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. Statements of Credit will be awarded based on full sessions attended and completed online evaluations. Pharmacists can earn 12 contact hours.

Dietitians: 12 hours of CE credit have been approved!

Other Health Care Professionals: We can provide the information (Speaker’s credentials, titles, and learning objectives) that you will need to apply for accreditation through your own professional association.

Please check periodically for updated conference details. Alternatively, add your email address to receive updates by emailing your address to joanne.nault@uconn.edu.

Conference organizers

Peter Fischer, PhD, Professor of Food History, ISI Florence, Italy
Jane Kerstetter, PhD, RD, Professor of Dietetics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
Jill Fitzgerald, Pharm.D. Director of Pharmacy Professional Development, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
Jillian Wanik, DCN,RDN,CSSD,CDN,CNSC, Assistant Professor in Residence, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA

Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians

Dietitians: 12 hours of CE credit have been approved!

Please check periodically for updated conference details. Alternatively, add your email address to receive updates by emailing your address to joanne.nault@uconn.edu.

Conference organizers

Please email Joanne.nault@uconn.edu to be placed on our mailing list.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many participants will there be?
This conference facilities are designed to accommodate 25-50 participants.
Why ISI?
UCONN has had a long-standing relationship with International Studies Institute (ISI) in Florence Italy (formerly known as Palazzo Rucellai) and we have been sending students/faculty/staff to study abroad for many years. ISI functions similar to a university branch campus, except of course, it is in the beautiful and historic Florence. The ISI at Palazzo Rucellai provides unparalleled services to visitors in a personal environment; there is always someone available when assistance is needed. ISI is located in the main floor, of Palazzo Rucellai, a historic residential palace designed in the fifteenth century by Leon Battista Alberti, eminent Renaissance humanist, scholar and architect. The Institute houses experienced staff that is devoted to providing support and services when needed. The staff at ISI are well equipped to handle any emergency situations that could

You may visit the facility on the web at: http://www.isiflorence.org

Can I bring family members on the afternoon excursions?
The answer is yes, and we would definitely welcome their participation. There will be an extra charge for their participation if they wish to attend the afternoon activities. We will be taking chartered busses for some of the excursions and will need to know the number of additional
Can I attend the conference and take the trips if I have a disability or special need?
While we encourage people with disabilities to participate, some of our expeditions cannot accommodate people with severe health problems or physical limitations. We cannot take responsibility for special arrangements or problems incurred by participants unable to participate in the planned activities. Travelers requiring extraordinary assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance. Due to their program responsibilities, we cannot ask University or ISI staff to provide such aid. Florence Italy does not offer the same level of access for persons with disabilities as the U.S. For example, some of the buildings do not have
Do you offer or recommend travel insurance?
We do not offer trip insurance directly. We highly suggest participants carry travel insurance. UCONN staff and faculty who travel abroad utilize Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), 1 High Ridge Park, Stamford, CT 06905. Because the conference is sponsored through the University of Connecticut, you will be eligible or CISI insurance. We highly suggest that you contact CISI directly (www.culturalinsurance.com).

Trip insurance can also be found online at www.tripinsurancestore.com, www.HTHtravelinsurance.com or www.americanexpress.com. You may use the company of your choice. We strongly encourage that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancellation insurance. Explore cancellation insurance which will cover you either in the event you need to cancel or in the event of a political crisis or natural disaster. Be sure to include both the cost of air travel and land arrangements in your insurance coverage.

Check with your own health insurer to determine if and in what way you are covered when outside the United States. Some things to keep in mind: Medicare does not currently provide coverage for those traveling outside the United States. This restriction applies to passengers on board cruise ships that are registered in a foreign country (almost all cruise ships have foreign registry).

Terms and Conditions
Please read the following information carefully.
Not Included in the Conference Price: Conference excursions except for the opening reception and the closing dinner; airfare; taxi cab to and from hotel; costs of passports and visas; airport, port, and departure taxes, personal expenses including but not limited to food, beverages, laundry, room service, and meals not specified; excess baggage fees; communication charges; gratuities; optional sightseeing; and travel protection insurance.
Responsibility: The liability of the University of Connecticut and International Studies Institute, Florence Italy, is strictly limited. The University of Connecticut and International Studies Institute purchase regional transportation, restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing tour arrangements. Therefore, will not accept responsibility for wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary acts or omissions of these independent contractors, their employees, agents, servants or representatives. The University of Connecticut and International Studies Institute are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by events not within our control, including without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, natural disaster, the defect of any vehicle, or the negligence or default of any third party.
UCONN/ISI reserves the right to cancel this conference if conditions warrant. In the event of such a cancellation, registration fees will be refunded. However, we are not responsible for any travel or lodging expenses incurred due to cancellation of the conference. If for any reason you must cancel your conference registration, please remember to cancel your housing and travel arrangements separately. UCONN/ISI cannot be responsible for hotel no-show fees or any travel or lodging expenses you might incur. We reserve the right to alter the advertised speakers and/or topics or other conference activities if necessary without liability. Any conference alterations will be updated on our web page as soon as possible.
Health and Medical Issues: This program requires physical mobility and independence. There will be walking on uneven terrain in the city streets, farms, gardens and country roads. In addition, there will be flights of stairs to negotiate and sometimes tight spaces. Participants should be in good physical condition and bring comfortable clothing and, most important, comfortable shoes. In addition, Italy does not allow buses to enter many certain areas of Florence, meaning that we will be walking to and from, which must park in designated areas. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy this trip to the fullest. Walking is key to moving around Florence and staying up with the tour group. Any condition that requires special medical attention or assistance must be reported at the time a reservation is made.
If you require the use of a wheelchair or have other personal needs, you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. We reserve the right to remove anyone whose physical or mental condition, in our opinion, compromises the operation of the tour or detracts from the enjoyment or safety of the other passengers. In that event, University of Connecticut and International Studies Institute assume no financial responsibility for any unused portion of the tour.
Disclaimer
We are in Italy. Schedules can change. Group travel includes many advantages, but also requires some compromise to individual freedom and is subject to the sort of minor changes, delays or mishaps that can occur during any sort of travel. While program and tour operator management strive to fulfill the individual needs of travelers, the primary concern must be the welfare of the group as a whole.
Cancellation Policy
Early Cancellation
If you cancel your registration before July 1, midnight, you will receive a refund of 75% of the registration fees.
Late Cancellation
If you cancel your registration before September 1 midnight, you will receive a refund of 50% of the registration fees. No refunds can be granted after this date.
UConn Cancellation
If UConn cancels for any reason a FULL refund will be given.

Getting to Florence

By Plane

The international airport, formerly called ‘Amerigo Vespucci’, is located in the north-west suburban area of Florence. It is serviced by many airlines which connect the city to some of the most important European airports. The airport is only 4 km from the city centre, which can be easily reached by taxi or with the shuttle service (around 15/20 minutes) or by the brand new tram T2 that runs from outside Arrival area to city center (Final stop “Unità”), it takes 20 min and the cost of the ticket is € 1,50. Travel from Florence airport to your hotel is easiest by taxi, which costs 20-25 Euro plus baggage. There is also a shuttle bus available for 6 Euro that arrives at the main Florence train station, Santa Maria Novella. At the airport you can also find the main car rental agencies.

Florence Airport

Many visitors decide alternatively to fly to Pisa (Galileo Galilei Airport,) which is 50 min by train or Bologna Airport, 35 min by high speed train, or even Rome’s Airport (90 min by high speed train).

By Train

The main central railway station of Florence is Santa Maria Novella (one of the most important railway junctions as well as an interchange point of the Florence public transportation).

To arrive in Florence from other main locations in Italy (Rome, Milan, Bologna, etc.), it is most likely that the train is the easiest and most cost - effective way. Check to see train schedules and purchase tickets ahead of time.

Florence Links

Besides being the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to many famed artists and poets, Florence offers countless entertainment today. Follow the links to discover more and don’t forget that besides the Uffizi Gallery, the Academia, and the Bargello art museums, Florence is surrounded by beautiful Tuscan countryside.

Quick links